Tree for All Seasons

In the Fall, take the children on a nature walk, observing the subtle changes that are occurring in their environment. While they are on the walk, have students collect large twigs or tree branches to bring back to the classroom.

Upon returning to the classroom, organize collected twigs into a tree-like format and secure the twigs in a plastic pot filled with a block of recycled styrofoam. Use Crayola® School Glue to secure the branches in the styrofoam. This becomes the Tree for All Seasons.

Organize students into four groups. Ask each group to select a season that they would like to illustrate. Provide the groups time in the school day to discuss what symbols they will be creating for their selected season. For example, they could represent leaf changes, weather, sports, clothing, etc. on the Tree for All Seasons display.

Provide students with a variety of colors of Crayola Construction Paper, Crayons, and School Glue. Have them design the symbols for their season. If needed, allow pieces with glue to dry overnight.

Provide student groups with several 10" pieces of yarn. Once the glue on student artwork is dry, have students punch a hole in each symbol and tie a piece of yard to each drawing. The other end of the yarn will be ties to a tree branch on the Tree for All Seasons.

As student groups attach their artwork to the Tree for All Seasons, allow time in the school day for the group to explain to classmates their selected symbols. Change the season on the tree with the opening of each season on the calendar.